Greenwell Packs, But Is It For Good?

Boston Red Sox notes

He'll Be Even More Emotional Today

September 26, 1996|By PAUL DOYLE; Courant Staff Writer

BOSTON — The nameplate above the locker was stripped. A few uniform tops and T-shirts hung in the nearly empty locker.

What has been the most recognizable locker in the Red Sox clubhouse the past 10 years became anonymous Wednesday. Mike Greenwell cleaned out his locker, packing away the dozens of toy gators and family pictures that have decorated it.

Greenwell, 33, is a free agent after the season and does not expect to return. Greenwell has sold his house in the Boston area and has a moving van leaving for Florida this week.

He has requested a meeting with general manager Dan Duquette today and will hold a press conference at 4 p.m.

As a precursor, he began housecleaning. When he found a pair of spikes from his first game, he needed to take a walk.

Greenwell was nostalgic as he sat in the clubhouse during batting practice. He talked about his first trip to Fenway Park, when he was in Boston for a medical exam as 20- year-old Class A outfielder. He met Carl Yastrzemski and was hooked on the history of the franchise.

It is his place in the franchise history that makes Greenwell emotional. He has been the starting left fielder since 1987, following Ted Williams, Yastrzemski and Jim Rice.

But when Greenwell speaks to the media today, he probably won't focus on his place in history. Expect Greenwell to rip Duquette, who has irked players with his negotiating style. Greenwell is likely to criticize Duquette for his handling of Roger Clemens' contract, which also expires after the season.

The uncertainty of Clemens' contract has become a focus in the clubhouse. Several veterans are unhappy, including Tim Naehring and John Valentin. Naehring could be a free agent if players receive service time for the strike. Valentin has been unhappy with his impending move from shortstop, where Nomar Garciaparra is playing.

Naehring and Valentin, both out with injuries, were reluctant to talk. So was Greenwell, although he said he will speak at length today.

``I've always been as honest as I could be,'' Greenwell said. ``[Today], I'll be as honest as I want.''

Whither Clemens?

A day after Clemens said he may skip his last start, there were indications he would pitch Saturday against the Yankees. Clemens said he is preparing to pitch. Manager Kevin Kennedy said his tentative rotation has Clemens pitching.

``I think you'll see him pitch this weekend,'' Kennedy said. ``I don't want to get caught up in that stuff. We've come so far back. We can't get caught up in the emotional stuff and what may happen in the off- season.'' . . . Catcher Mike Stanley is unsure if he will have surgery performed on his neck. He was advised by team physician Arthur Pappas to have surgery to repair a herniated disk in his lower neck. After consulting several other doctors, he is not sure if the surgery is necessary. ``No one has said it definitely has to be done,'' Stanley said. ``I want to take it easy and see how it acts. If I have the surgery by the end of October or the first of November, that will give me ample time to get ready for spring training.'' . . . Probable starters for the Yankees series: Mike Maddux (2-2, 4.68 ERA) vs. Jimmy Key (12-10, 4.63), tonight. The Yankees don't know who will start the final three games. For the Red Sox: Aaron Sele (6-11, 5.29) Friday; Clemens (10-12, 3.60) Saturday and Tom Gordon (12-9, 5.53) Sunday.